Barn fire kills an estimated 3,100 pigs

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — About 3,100 pigs were killed in a barn fire at a religious community in Montana.

The fire was reported about 5:45 p.m. Monday in the Milford Colony, Augusta volunteer firefighter Brad McBratney told the Great Falls Tribune (http://gftrib.com/1ThR8AS ). The community is comprised of Hutterites, Protestants similar to the Amish and Mennonites who live a life centered on their religion. They are primarily agricultural producers.

Firefighters stayed on scene until 11 p.m. Monday, and McBratney says they were able to save another nearby barn. They were called back Tuesday morning when the fire flared again.

Colony secretary Ben Wipf says they’re still waiting to hear from their insurance company on an estimated value of the loss.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton says there was nothing suspicious about the fire.